Thanksgiving play

Kate's class put on a Thanksgiving play yesterday. Kate was a pilgrim and her friend Summer was an Indian. The three year olds did a wonderful job "acting out" the Thanksgiving story as their teacher narrated from a children's book. They even sang two sweet songs. Mostly they stood on stage and waved to their parents. A few, overcome with stage fright, sat with mom and dad. All in all the play lasted about 5 minutes - just enough time to get some cute pics.

A Princess Halloween

I know it is a little late for a Halloween post, but I just had to show off Kate as Cinderella and Tom's pumpkin carving skills. The children have both been sick, and I happened to catch a moment to blog while both of them are napping! The simultaneous nap with multiple children is a huge blessing. Charlie would not keep his bear costume on, so he went as himself this year. Kate loved trick or treating with her new friend Katie. Katie dressed as Little Bo Peep and her baby brother, Andrew, was the sheep. They were adorable. The girls were a little shy at first about approaching houses, but as soon as they got the hang of it, they were tearing it up. Kate had three lollipops in one night. I thought the sugar high would never end:)

Charlie's First Birthday

We celebrated Charlie's first birthday last Saturday. The house quickly filled up with family and friends. Charlie had a ball. Edgar's bakery made a separate "smash cake" just for him. He dug in, tasted the icing, and promptly spit it out. He prefered the apple slice I had given him earlier. We celebrated Uncle Lester's birthday, too. Mimi made him her special all-time-most-requested chocolate, fudge cake. Delicious!

I know it is in here somewhere...

Zoo Fountain

Melissa and I took Charlie and Kate to the Zoo for playtime in the fountain. Charlie loved it! He splashed and dipped his face in the fountains regardless of how much water splashed in his eyes. He just blinked and moved on. Kate, our cautious child, took her time warming up to the surprise spurts of water and gradually put her toes in. By the end of the day, she was enjoying the water as much as Charlie.

First Day of School

Today is Kate's first official day of "school". She is actually going to Mother's Day Out four days a week from 9-1. She couldn't be more excited - especially about her new lunchbox. We packed it last night and she arranged and re-arranged everything in it until it was perfect. I hope she actually eats what we made - peanut butter sandwich, goldfish, raisins, and a juicebox. Yum!

Fun at the Beach

We just got back from our family beach trip to the Gulf. One of Kate's favorite pasttimes was flying kites with her dad and Uncle Tom. She could have stayed out all day in the sand, sun, and salt water. Charlie, on the other hand, had a sunscreen reaction the first day and could only go out at sunset - high mosquito time. Fortunately, he enjoyed playing in the house with Mimi and cousin Lola. Charlie and Lola enjoyed rolling around on Nanny's king size bed, climbing in the refrigerator and dishwasher, and patting each other's heads. All in all, it was a fun time. The boys shopped and cooked, the girls put puzzles together and played with the children, and many naps were had by all. Next year, Aunt Sara and Uncle Michael will have to join us. We missed them, but don't feel bad for them - see their blog for an update on their Guatemala adventures.

Kate's 3rd Birthday

Kate turned 3 on July 1st. We celebrated by having family and friends to the zoo that morning to ride the carousel and zoo train. We rode the rides and enjoyed the lion and butterfly exhibits before heading home to the party. Mimi and Nanny had decorated the house with balloons and streamers - and had a beautiful carousel cake on the table. Kate couldn't wait to blow her candles out. She put them on the cake - all by herself - and blew them out with a little help from Mom. A good time was had by all. We enjoyed our family visit from cousin Lola, Katherine, Tom, Mimi, Lester, Carole, Holly, Cece, and Aunt Betty. At the zoo Laura Herren asked Kate, "Are you three today?" To which Kate replied, "No. (pause) Yes...Yes. I am three today!"

Beach Trip

We just got back from a week at the beach. Kate loved the sand and spent most of her time laying in it, digging in it, and burying herself in it. She didn't mind the 2-3 baths a day it took to keep her nap and dinner worthy. Charlie on the other hand did not like the sand one bit. He did everything he could not to have his feet touch the gritty stuff. He stayed in his tent when we were on the beach, and enjoyed the ocean waves and splashing in the pool as long as he was held. Here are some photos and our attempt (once again) at a family picture.

Charlie's Baptism

Charlie was baptized this past week-end at our church in Huntsville, Southwood Pres. He grunted at the appropriate times and enjoyed being held up in the air to greet the congregation, but it was Kate who stole our hearts. We were seated on the front row and during the hymns, she danced and danced for the whole church to see. Her dancing was graceful and was so worshipful, it brought tears to our eyes. The whole family came up for the event. We were happy to visit with Katherine, Tom, and Lola who came all the way down from Nashville. Many thanks to our gracious hosts, Kathryn and Jason Roach who packed most of us in to their home. We had a wonderful time getting to know their little one, Sarah, who is just four weeks older than Charlie.

Sitting Up

Charlie sat up today. He has been trying for a few weeks, but today he made it on his own for at least 5 minutes. I think we have reached a milestone. No real tripoding either - just straight sitting. I think he was proud of himself.

Teething

Charlie is teething. He fusses a lot and chews on everything in site. Nanny tried to calm him down by reading to him the other night. He looked really interested in the book, but really, he was trying to figure out how to get it in his mouth. It worked for about 10 minutes of quiet.

Easter

Happy Easter! Kate and Charlie enjoyed an Easter visit from both of their grandmothers this year. We took a few pictures after the church service. All Kate wanted to do was spin around in her Cinderella dress. She felt beautiful in the dress Aunt Katherine wore 30 years ago. Nanny made it by hand, and it is just as beautiful today. Kate didn't understand much about Easter this year - I tried to explain, but I don't think a whole lot got through. The only thing I know made an impression were the candy-filled eggs in her Easter basket. If anyone has any bright ideas on explaining Easter to a toddler, please feel free to share.

Charlie and Lola

We enjoyed a visit from the Petillos this past week-end. Kate loved having cousin Lola to play with. Here is Charlie and Lola discovering each other. They were fascinated to have someone their size to play with.

Mother Kate

Kate is becoming quite motherly these days. She tucked Charlie into bed with all of his stuffed animals. She got under the blanket with them. When Charlie started to fuss, she put her finger to her lips and said, "SHHHH!" Charlie thinks Kate hung the moon.

I Found My Feet

Charlie has finally found his feet. He loves to try to chew on his toes. Uncle Michael wanted to see some smiles. Here they are. Charlie smiles and belly laughs when I tickle him under his arms and neck. He also loves it when Daddy lets him play with his hair.

Carousel

Kate loves carousels. She especially likes the one at the zoo, but today she settled on the one at the mall. She likes to ride the cheetah, but has to sit on the lion afterwards. The lion doesn't go up and down, but he is magical to Kate somehow. It is too cold to ride the carousel at the zoo right now, so we took a trip to the Galleria and rode the one there. At home, Kate likes to spin around the pole in the basement pretending she is on the carousel. I think we will be spending a lot of time at the zoo this spring - looking at the animals on the carousel.

Big Head

Charlie is 4 months old now. He had his check up yesterday with Dr. Stone. Charlie weighs 14 1/2 pounds and is 25 1/2 inches long. He is in the 50th percentile for weight, 80th for height, and 95th for head circumference. Daddy is especially proud of his big head. Dr. Stone reminded us that it is not size that matters but number of convolutions. There are many mammals with big brains who aren't so smart. Daddy doesn't care - he is still proud.

Tummy Time

The doctor says we need to give Charlie "tummy time." He sleeps on his back and needs to develop his tummy muscles. Charlie does not like his tummy time. He lays there with both arms straight out. After about a minute he starts fussing. I try to let him fuss and struggle a little bit, but it is so hard to watch him so miserable. I guess letting your kids struggle to achieve a goal is part of being a parent. I don't like that part.

Ride 'em Cowgirl

Kate woke up ready to get outside and play cowgirl. We rode our horse around and around the backyard in our pajamas, bedroom slipper and cowgirl gear. Dress-up is by far our favorite game right now. Thanks Uncle Terry for the horse!